Become a Certified Cytometrist

In fall 2017, ISAC, the ICCS, and the ASCP BOC introduced the SCYM, a new Specialist in Cytometry credential, to replace both the old CCy and the ASCP BOC’s Qualification in Cytometry (QCYM) credentials.

The International Certification in Cytometry Exam (ICCE) was discontinued on July 1, 2017. If you are interested in becoming a certified cytometrist, you must apply to take the new SCYM certification exam. Anyone who currently has the CCy credential or anyone who passed the ICCE before June 30, 2017 will be automatically transitioned to the SCYM credential.

The following are FAQs and answers specific to those who are currently credentialed as CCy or are unfamiliar with the new SCYM credential.

What if I have applied, or want to apply, for the ICCE?

June 30, 2017 was the last day to take the ICCE, and it has since been discontinued. You must meet the new eligibility requirements and apply to take the new exam for the SCYM certification.
Details on eligibility, applying, and taking the new exam can be found by visiting: https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification/get-credentialed.

My current CCy credential expires soon. How do I renew it?

After July 1, 2017, all credential renewal will be processed online through the ASCP BOC website.

If I currently have the CCy credential, will I have to take another examination to become SCYM credentialed?

No. Anyone who currently has the CCy credential, and anyone who successfully passed the current ICCE by June 30, 2017, will be transitioned to the new ASCP BOC Specialist in Cytometry credential (SCYM). There will be a process to be transitioned over; this will not require any additional education or experience.

Will there be a fee to be transitioned from CCy to SCYM?

No. There will not be any separate fees to transition to the new SCYM certification credential.

Will I be contacted personally about the transition and recertification processes?

Yes. Those currently credentialed as CCy will be contacted via mail with information about upcoming changes. This communication will provide you with your ASCP Customer ID #, new certification number, and a confirmation of your valid dates of certification.

What will happen once I transition to the new SCYM credential?

Your new certification as SCYM will remain valid until three years after you were originally credentialed as CCy. To maintain the new credential, you will be required to participate in the ASCP BOC Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) every three years.

What are the ASCP BOC requirements for maintaining my SCYM certification?

You will be required to participate in the ASCP BOC Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) every three years to maintain SCYM certification. This program requires the completion of 36 continuing education credits (CMP points) as follows

25 points in area of laboratory specialty, management, education, or other related laboratory areas of interest

10 points in the area of Cytometry

Details and instructions for completing the CMP can be found at this link on the ASCP BOC website.

When will I receive a wall certificate with my new SCYM credential?

After successful completion of your first CMP renewal, you will receive an updated wall certificate showing your transition to the SCYM credential with your new three year cycle of valid certification dates. You will receive an updated wall certificate with each renewal cycle.

What are the steps for recertification under the ASCP CMP?

Complete the continuing education (CEs) required for SCYM recertification and accumulate and save documentation for these activities. This documentation will only be required if your recertification application (Declaration Form) is selected for audit.

Login to your ASCP account at any time and enter all non-ASCP CEs into your ASCP transcript as you complete them. (ASCP credits will automatically be recorded in your transcript for you.)

At least one month prior to your certification expiration date, login to the ASCP website and submit your completed online CMP Declaration Form and application fee.

What if I am currently credentialed as CCy and do not want to transition to the new credential?

All valid CCy credentials will be transitioned to the new SCYM credential.

What if, after I transition over to the new credential, I don’t participate in the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP)?

If you choose not to maintain your SCYM credential and it expires, you will be required to complete the ASCP BOC Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) to reinstate your certification. A reinstatement fee, in addition to the application fee, would apply. Click here for further information.